Fire Doors That Will Do Their Job
The first line of defence in any building
A fire door only works if every part of it works: the leaf, frame, seals, hinges, closer and glazing. One missing intumescent strip or a closer that does not latch can let smoke and fire through in minutes, cutting off escape routes and putting lives at risk.
Our inspections check each door against its intended fire performance and current good practice, including BS 8214 and the guidance in Approved Document B. Every door is photographed, logged and given a clear pass or fail, with the reasons and the remedial work needed set out in plain language.
We do not sell, supply or fit doors, so our findings are independent. You get an honest view of what genuinely needs replacing, what can be repaired, and what is fine as it is.
What We Check on Every Door
Leaf and frame
Condition, damage, unauthorised alterations and evidence of the door's fire rating, such as labels or plugs.
Gaps and fit
Gaps around the leaf and at the threshold measured against recommended tolerances, plus how well the door sits in its frame.
Seals
Intumescent strips and smoke seals present, continuous, correctly sized and not painted over or damaged.
Hardware
Hinges, locks, latches and handles, including the number and condition of hinges and whether hardware is suitable for a fire door.
Self-closing device
Whether the door closes fully and latches from any angle, and that hold-open devices release correctly where fitted.
Glazing and signage
Fire-rated glazing, beads and seals, vision panels, air transfer grilles and the correct mandatory signage.
Fire Doors in Blocks of Flats
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 set out specific fire door duties for the responsible person in multi-occupied residential buildings.
Communal fire doors must be checked at least every three months. The responsible person must also use best endeavours to check flat entrance doors at least every twelve months, and record the attempts made where access is not given. Both checks must include the self-closing devices.
Residents must be given information on the importance of fire doors, including that they should be kept shut when not in use and that residents should not tamper with self-closers.
Our detailed surveys give you a firm baseline. From there, the routine checks become quicker, easier to evidence and easier to act on.
Where We Inspect
- Communal doors in purpose-built and converted flats
- Flat entrance doors
- HMOs and student accommodation
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- Care, sheltered and supported housing
- Offices, schools and commercial buildings
- Riser, cupboard and plant room doors
We can survey a single building or a full portfolio, and set up a schedule for repeat inspections.
How Our Surveys Work
Scope and access
We agree the number and location of doors, how we will access flats and plant areas, and the format you need the data in.
Door-by-door survey
Each door is inspected, measured and photographed, then given a unique reference so it can be tracked over time.
Quality control
Results are checked by a second senior consultant before anything is issued, so the pass and fail decisions are consistent.
Asset register and report
You receive the full register and a summary report, with remedial actions prioritised so you can plan and budget the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should fire doors be inspected?
In residential buildings over 11 metres, the law requires communal fire doors to be checked at least quarterly and flat entrance doors at least annually. In other buildings, your fire risk assessment should set the frequency based on how heavily the doors are used. A detailed survey by a qualified inspector is a good baseline, with simpler routine checks in between.
Can a failed fire door be repaired rather than replaced?
Often, yes. Many failures come down to seals, closers, hinges or gaps that can be put right by a competent installer. We will tell you clearly where a repair is realistic and where the door should be replaced.
Do you fit or supply fire doors?
No. We are an independent consultancy, so our recommendations are not influenced by any interest in selling doors or remedial work.
What happens about flat entrance doors we cannot access?
We record every door we could not access and the reason, so you have evidence of the attempt. We can return to complete outstanding doors once access has been arranged.
Need your fire doors surveyed?
From a single building to a full portfolio, we will scope it properly and give you a clear quote.
Related Services
Talk to Us About Fire Door Inspections
Tell us a little about your building and what you need. A consultant will come back to you with a clear scope and quote.